Lift-up cleat

ABSTRACT

A lift-up cleat assembly includes a base member having an upper plate shaped to abut a mounting surface and at least one normally vertically oriented tube depending from the plate, wherein the tube has a hollow interior, and a retractable cleat member having an upper cleat-shaped head shaped to retain lines thereon, and at least one normally vertically oriented mounting post depending from the head, wherein the post is telescopingly received in the interior of the tube of the base member and is telescopingly movable along a given length of travel. The cleat assembly also includes a cup-shaped retainer located within the hollow interior of the tube base member and having a central portion fixed with respect to the mounting post of the cleat member and an elastically deformable skirt portion that flexibly abuts the tube of the base member, thereby providing infinitesimally small increments of adjustability of the post of the cleat member within the tube of the base member along the length of travel, and wherein the retainer is shaped to allow liquid located within the interior of the tube of the base member to drain therefrom.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to cleats for recreational boats and thelike, and in particular to a retractable cleat which incorporates aretainer that allows for infinitesimal adjustment of the retractablecleat from a base member while simultaneously allowing liquids collectedwithin the base member to drain therethrough.

Retractable cleats are widely used within recreational boats forsecuring mooring lines and the like thereto. These retractable cleatstypically include a base member, and a retractable cleat member that istelescopingly received within the interior of the base.

Heretofore, retractable cleats have generally been constructed such thatwater seeping into the base member is trapped therein, thereby resultingin corrosion and degradation to the base member as well as theretractable cleat received therein. The corrosion of the base membersand retractable cleat often result in an unattractive overallappearance, and can hinder proper operation of the retractable cleatitself. In addition, retractable cleats have generally been constructedfor adjustment between finite positions that typically include only thefully retracted and fully extended positions. This limited adjustabilityrequires the cleat to be fully extended regardless of the amount of thecleat required to attach a mooring line thereto, thereby exposing theentire cleat member above the deck surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is to provide a lift-up cleatassembly that includes a base member having an upper plate shaped toabut a mounting surface and at least one normally vertically orientedtube depending from the plate, wherein the tube has a hollow interior,and a retractable cleat member having an upper cleat-shaped head shapedto retain lines thereon, and at least one normally vertically orientedmounting post depending from the head, wherein the post is telescopinglyreceived within the interior tube of the base member and istelescopingly movable along a given length of travel. The cleat assemblyalso includes a cup-shaped retainer located within the hollow interiorof the tube of the base member and having a central portion fixed withrespect to the mounting post of the cleat member and an elasticallydeformable skirt member that flexibly abuts the tube of the base member,thereby providing infinitesimally small increments of adjustability ofthe post of the cleat member within the tube of the base member alongthe length of travel. The retainer is shaped to allow liquid locatedwithin the interior of the tube of the base member to drain therefrom.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a lift-up cleatassembly that includes a one-piece base member having an upper platedefined by a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the base memberis shaped such that the bottom surface of the base member is adapted toflushly abut a mounting surface. The base member also includes at leastone normally vertically oriented tube depending from the plate, whereinthe tube has a hollow interior. The base member further includes arecess extending into the top surface. The lift-up cleat assembly alsoincludes a retractable cleat member having an upper cleat-shaped headshaped to retain lines therein, and at least one normally verticallyoriented mounting post depending from the head, wherein the post istelescopingly received in the interior of the tube of the base member,and wherein the head includes an upper surface that is substantiallyflush with the upper surface of the base member when the cleat member isin a retracted position. The cleat assembly further includes a fastenercoupled with the tube of the base member and adapted to abut a bottomsurface of the mounting surface, thereby retaining the base member tothe mounting surface.

The cup-shaped retainer located within the interior of the tube of thebase member allows for infinitesimally small increments of adjustabilityof the retractable cleat member within the base member, thereby allowingfor precise adjustment of the cleat member depending on the requireduse, such as the size of the mooring lines utilized, etc. The shape ofthe retainer allows for complete drainage of the interior of the tube ofthe base member, thereby reducing the possible corrosion, discolorationand blemishing of the base member, retractable cleat and othercomponents of the retractable cleat apparatus that may hinder operationthereof. Further, the one-piece base member and fastener coupled withthe tube of the base member reduces the corrosion associated withmultiple piece base members, as well as reduces the deterioration of themounting surface such as a boat deck normally associated with mounting acleat assembly to a deck surface via hardware such as screws that extendinto the boat deck surface.

These and other features, advantages and objects of the presentinvention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled inthe art by reference to the following specification, claims and appendeddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a lift-up cleat assembly embodyingthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a the cleat assembly;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the cleat assembly, taken alongthe line III—III, FIG. 2, wherein a cleat member is shown in a fullyretracted position;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the cleat assembly taken alongthe line III—III, FIG. 2, wherein the cleat member is shown in a fullyextended position in solid and an intermediate position in phantom; and

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary bottom plan view of the cleat assembly;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment ofthe cleat assembly; and

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a retainer of the alternative embodiment ofthe cleat assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, itis to be understood that the invention may assume various alternativeorientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to thecontrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices andprocesses illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in thefollowing specification are exemplary embodiments of the inventiveconcepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions andother physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosedherein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expresslystate otherwise.

The reference numeral 10 (FIGS. 1 and 2) generally designates a lift-upretractable cleat assembly embodying the present invention. Cleatassembly 10 includes a base member 12, a retractable cleat member 14,and at least one cup-shaped retainer 16 (FIG. 3). The retractable cleatmember 14 is operable within base member 12 between a fully retracted orstorage position, as shown in FIG. 3, a fully extended or in-useposition, as shown in FIG. 4, and a plurality of infinitesimally smallincrements between the fully retracted and fully extended positions, asshown in FIG. 4 in phantom.

The illustrated base member 12 is constructed of steel, aluminum orother suitable material, and includes an upper plate 18 having a topsurface 20 and a bottom surface 22, and is shaped to be mounted on anassociated boat surface 24 having a top surface 26 and a bottom surface28. Upper plate 18 has a generally rectangular shape, however, it isforeseeable that various alternative shapes may be used. Base member 12also includes a pair of centrally disposed, vertically oriented tubes 30that depend from upper plate 18. Each tube 30 has a hollow interior 32defined by an interior wall 34 and an exterior wall 36 and has agenerally cylindrical shape, with a lower or distal end 38. Eachinterior wall 34 is provided with a radially inwardly extending stepwall 40 located therealong. Exterior wall 36 is provided with aplurality of threads 42 along a portion of the length thereof.

Retractable cleat member 14 includes an upper cleat-shaped head 44having outwardly disposed flanged ends 46 and a top surface 45. Head 44has a generally oval shape, however, it is foreseeable that alternativeshapes may be used. The flanged ends 46 of cleat head 44 extendsufficiently outward, so as to allow mooring or retention linesassociated with various objects within the boat or casting lines from adock to be secured thereon. Retractable cleat member 14 also includes apair of centrally disposed, vertically oriented mounting posts 48 thatdepend downwardly from cleat head 44. The illustrated posts 40 aregenerally cylindrical in shape, and have a lower or distal end 50. Athreaded aperture is centrally located within end 50 of each post 48 andextends longitudinally therealong.

A cup-shaped retainer 16 is located within hollow interior 32 of eachtube 30 of base member 12. Each retainer 16 is preferably constructed ofa flexible resilient material, such as polypropylene, rubber, syntheticresins, etc. Each retainer 16 includes a central portion 54 and anelastically deformable skirt portion 56 that flexibly abuts interiorwall 34 of tube 30, thereby providing infinitesimally small incrementsof adjustability of each post 48 within the associated tube 30 and, as aresult, infinitesimally small increments of adjustability of cleatmember 14 with respect to base member 12. An aperture 55 extends throughcentral portion 54 of each retainer 16. Skirt portion 56 (FIG. 5) ofeach retainer 16 has a pleated overall shape thereby creating contactpoints between retainer 16 and interior wall 34 of tube 30 and aplurality of voids or gaps 60 between retainer 16 and interior wall 34of tube 30 interspaced with contact points 58.

In assembly, a circularly shaped spacer/stop member 62 having acentrally located aperture 64 is located between central portion 54 ofeach retainer 16 and end 50 of each post 48. Mounting hardware such as amachine screw 66 extends through aperture 55 of each retainer 16 andaperture 64 of each stop member 62, and is threadably received withinthreaded aperture 52 within each post 48, thereby affixing retainer 16and stop member 62 to end 50 of each post 48.

In the illustrated example, tubes 30, mounting posts 48 and retainers 16all have a generally circular cross-sectional shape. However, it is tobe understood that other cross-sectional shapes could be used to formtubes 30 and posts 48, and that the cross-sectional shape of theretainers 16 could be configured similarly, so long as the retainers 16flexibly abut interior surfaces 34 of tubes 30, thereby providinginfinitesimally small adjustability of cleat member 14 with respect tobase member 12, and are configured so as to allow fluids collectedwithin recess 21 and tubes 30 to flow past retainers 16. Further, itshould be noted that interior surface 34 of each tube 30 may be providedwith a rough outer finish, thereby increasing the frictional coefficientbetween each retainer 16 and tube 30 and creating a more positiveengagement therebetween.

The base member 12 is further provided with a cleat head recess 21 andfinger recesses 23. Cleat head recess 21 is generally oval-shaped and isconfigured so as to allow cleat head 44 of cleat member 14 to bereceived and seat therein, such that the top surface 45 of cleat head 44is substantially flush with top surface 20 of upper plate 18 of basemember 12 when cleat member 14 is in the fully retracted position.Finger recesses 23 extend outwardly from cleat head recess 21 withinupper plate 18, and are sufficiently large enough for the operator ofcleat assembly 10 to insert their fingers within the finger recess 23,thus grasping the sides of cleat head 44 and allowing the operator toraise retractable cleat member 14 from the lowered position to a fullyextended position, or to any intermediate position between the fullyretracted position and the fully extended position.

The cleat assembly 10 is mounted on boat surface 24 by forming a pair ofcircularly shaped apertures 68 within boat surface 24 sized to allow theplacement of tubes 30 of base member 12 therethrough. When mounted,bottom surface 22 of upper plate of base member 12 mounts flush with topsurface 26 of boat surface 24. A flat washer 70 is placed over eachtubes 30 and abuts bottom surface 28 of boat surface 24. A nut 72 isthreadably received about each tube 30 via threads 42 and abuts eachwasher 70, thereby mounting cleat assembly 10 onto boat surface 24.

In operation, water that enters interior 32 of each tube 30 is allowedto drain past retainers 16 via voids 60 located between skirt portion 56of each retainer 16 and interior wall 34 of each tube 30, and exit end38 of each tube 30. A boot 74, constructed of a flexibly resilientmaterial such as rubber, encases end 38 of each tube 30, and guides thewater away from cleat assembly 10 via interior passage 76.

The reference numeral 10a (FIG. 6) generally designates anotherembodiment of the cleat assembly. Since cleat assembly 10a is similar tocleat assembly 10, similar parts appearing in FIG. 3 and FIG. 6respectively are represented by the same corresponding referencenumeral, except for the suffix “a” in the numeral of the latter. In theillustrated example, cleat assembly 10a includes a cup-shaped retainer16a that is located within hollow interior 32a of each tube 30a of basemember 12a. Each retainer 16a is preferably constructed of a flexibleresilient metal, such as steel, however, other suitable materials may beutilized. Each retainer 16a (FIG. 7) includes a central portion 80 and aplurality of elastically deformable fingers 82 extending downwardly fromcentral portion 80 and that flexibly abut interior wall 34a of tube 30a,thereby providing infinitesimally small increments of adjustability ofeach post 48a within the associated tube 30a, and as a result,infinitesimally small increments of adjustability of cleat member 14awith respect to base member 12a. Specifically, each finger 82 includes aplanar section 84 from which an oval-shaped dimple 86 extends outwardlytherefrom. Each finger 82 is configured such that dimple 86 contactsinterior wall 34a of tube 30a during operation of cleat assembly 10a.Each finger 82 also includes an inwardly curved end 88 that providesclearance between interior wall 34a of tube 30a and end 88 of eachfinger 82. Fingers 82 of each retainer 16a are spaced about theperiphery of central portion 80, thereby providing a plurality of voidsor gaps 90 between retainer 16a and interior wall 34a of tube 30a. Anaperture 55a extends through central portion 80 of each retainer 16a. Amechanical fastener 66a, such as a bolt, fastens the retainer 16a toposts 48a. In operation, water that enters interior 32a of each tube 30ais allowed to drain past retainers 16a via voids 90 located betweendimples 86 of each finger 82 of each retainer 16a and interior wall 34aof each tube 30a, and exit end 38a of each tube 30a.

The present inventive lift-up cleat assemblies 10 and 10a provideinfinitesimally small increments of adjustability of the retractablecleat member within the base member, thereby allowing for preciseadjustment of the cleat member depending on the required use, such asthe size of the mooring lines utilized, etc. The shape of the retainersallow for complete drainage of the interior of each tube of the basemember, thereby reducing the possible corrosion, discoloration andblemishing of the base member, the retractable cleat and othercomponents of retractable cleat assemblies 10 and 10a that may hinderoperation thereof. Further, the one-piece base member and the mountingarrangement thereof reduces the corrosion associated with multiple piecebase members, as well as reduces the deterioration of the mountingsurface such as a boat deck normally associated with mounting a cleatassembly to a deck surface via hardware such as screws that extend intothe boat deck surface.

The above description is considered that of the preferred embodimentsonly. Modifications of the invention will occur to those skilled in theart and to those who use the invention. Therefore, it is understood thatthe embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely forillustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of theinvention, which is defined by the following claims as interpretedaccording to the principals of patent law, including the Doctrine ofEquivalents.

1. A lift-up cleat assembly, comprising: a base member having an upperplate shaped to abut a mounting surface and at least one normallyvertically oriented tube depending from the plate, the tube having ahollow interior; a retractable cleat member having an upper cleat-shapedhead shaped to retain lines thereon, and at least one normallyvertically oriented mounting post depending from the head, wherein thepost is telescopingly received in the interior of the tube of the basemember and is telescopingly movable along a given length of travel; anda cup-shaped retainer located within the hollow interior of the tube ofthe base member and having a central portion fixed with respect to themounting post of the cleat member and an elastically deformable skirtportion that flexibly abuts the tube of the base member, therebyproviding infinitesimally small increments of adjustability of the postof the cleat member within the tube of the base member along the lengthof travel, and wherein the retainer is shaped to allow liquid locatedwithin the interior of the tube of the base member to drain therefrom.2. The cleat assembly of claim 1, wherein the skirt portion of theretainer includes a pleated section, thereby providing at least one voidbetween the skirt portion of the retainer and the tube of the basemember.
 3. The cleat assembly of claim 2, wherein the skirt portion ofthe retainer extends downwardly from the central portion of the cleatmember.
 4. The cleat assembly of claim 3, further including: asubstantially rigid spacer located between the central portion of theretainer and an end of the mounting post of the cleat member, whereinthe spacer abuts a step wall of the interior tube, thereby limiting thetravel of the post within the tube.
 5. The cleat assembly of claim 4,wherein the interior of the tube of the base member is provided with arough interior surface.
 6. The cleat assembly of claim 5, wherein theretainer is constructed of a polypropylene material.
 7. The cleatassembly of claim 4, further including: a boot surrounding an open endof the tube of the base member and adapted to collect and guide liquidtraveling through the open end of the base member away from the basemember.
 8. The cleat assembly of claim 7, wherein the at least one tubeof the base member includes a pair of tubes juxtaposed across asubstantially central point of the base member, and wherein the at leastone mounting post includes a pair of mounting posts juxtaposed across asubstantially central point of the cleat member.
 9. The cleat member ofclaim 8, wherein the base member is shaped to mount flush with themounting surface.
 10. The cleat member of claim 9, wherein the basemember includes a recess extending into an upper surface thereof, andwherein the recess receives the head of the cleat member such that anupper surface of the head is flush with the upper surface of the basemember.
 11. The cleat assembly of claim 1, wherein the skirt portion isdivided into a plurality of fingers.
 12. The cleat assembly of claim 11,wherein the fingers extend downwardly from the central portion of thecleat member.
 13. The cleat assembly of claim 12, wherein each fingerincludes a radially outwardly extending dimple, and wherein each dimpleabuts the tube.
 14. The cleat assembly of claim 13, wherein each fingerincludes an end that bends radially inward.
 15. The cleat assembly ofclaim 11, wherein each finger includes a radially outwardly extendingdimple, and wherein each dimple abuts the tube.
 16. The cleat assemblyof claim 11, wherein each finger includes an end that bends radiallyinward.
 17. The cleat assembly of claim 1, wherein the skirt portion ofthe retainer extends downwardly from the central portion of the cleatmember.
 18. The cleat assembly of claim 1, further including: asubstantially rigid spacer located between the central portion of theretainer and an end of the mounting post of the cleat member, whereinthe spacer abuts a step wall of the interior of the tube, therebylimiting the travel of the post within the tube.
 19. The cleat assemblyof claim 1, wherein the interior of the tube of the base member isprovided with a rough interior surface.
 20. The cleat assembly of claim1, wherein the retainer is constructed of a polypropylene material. 21.The cleat assembly of claim 1, further including: a boot surrounding anopen end of the tube of the base member and adapted to collect and guideliquid traveling through the open end of the base member away from thebase member.
 22. The cleat assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least onetube of the base member includes a pair of tubes juxtaposed across asubstantially central point of the base member, and wherein the at leastone mounting post includes a pair of mounting posts juxtaposed across asubstantially central point of the cleat member.
 23. The cleat member ofclaim 1, wherein the base member is shaped to mount flush with themounting surface.
 24. The cleat member of claim 23, wherein the basemember includes a recess extending into an upper surface thereof, andwherein the recess receives the head of the cleat member such that anupper surface of the head is flush with the upper surface of the basemember.
 25. A lift-up cleat assembly, comprising: a one-piece basemember having an upper plate defined by a top surface and a bottomsurface, the base member shaped such that the bottom surface of the basemember is adapted to flushly abut a mounting surface, the base memberalso including and at least one normally vertically oriented tubedepending from the plate, the tube having a hollow interior, the basemember further including a recess extending into the top surface; aretractable cleat member having an upper cleat-shaped head shaped toretain lines thereon, and at least one normally vertically orientedmounting post depending from the head, the post telescopingly receivedin the interior of the tube of the base member, the head including anupper surface that is substantially flush with the upper surface of thebase member when the cleat member is in a retracted position; and afastener coupled with the tube of the base member and adapted to abut abottom surface of the mounting surface, thereby retaining the basemember to the mounting surface.
 26. The cleat assembly of claim 25,wherein the tube has a threaded outer surface, and wherein the fastenerincludes a nut that is threadably received on the outer surface of thetube.
 27. The cleat assembly of claim 26, wherein the fastener includesa washer received about the tube of the base member, the washer abuttedby the nut and adapted to abut the lower surface of the mounting surfacewhen the base member is retained to the mounting surface.
 28. The cleatassembly of claim 25, further including: a cup-shaped retainer locatedwithin the hollow interior of the tube of the base member and having acentral portion fixed with respect to the mounting post of the cleatmember and an elastically deformable skirt portion that flexibly abutsthe tube of the base member, thereby providing infinitesimally smallincrements of adjustability of the post of the cleat member within thetube of the base member along the length of travel.
 29. The cleatassembly of claim 28, wherein the retainer is shaped to allow liquidlocated within the interior of the tube of the base member to draintherefrom.
 30. The cleat assembly of claim 29, wherein the skirt portionof the retainer includes a pleated section, thereby providing at leastone void between the skirt portion of the retainer and the tube of thebase member.
 31. The cleat assembly of claim 29, further including: aboot surrounding an open end of the tube of the base member and adaptedto collect and guide liquid traveling through the open end of the basemember away from the base member.
 32. The cleat assembly of claim 28,wherein the skirt portion of the retainer extends downwardly from thecentral portion of the cleat member.
 33. The cleat assembly of claim 28,further including: a substantially rigid spacer located between thecentral portion of the retainer and an end of the mounting post of thecleat member, wherein the spacer abuts a step wall of the interior ofthe tube, thereby limiting the travel of the post within the tube. 34.The cleat assembly of claim 28, wherein the interior of the tube of thebase member is provided with a rough interior surface.
 35. The cleatassembly of claim 28, wherein the retainer is constructed of apolypropylene material.
 36. The cleat assembly of claim 28, wherein theat least one tube of the base member includes a pair of tubes juxtaposedacross a substantially central point of the base member, and wherein theat least one mounting post includes a pair of mounting posts juxtaposedacross a substantially central point of the cleat member.
 37. The cleatassembly of claim 28, wherein the skirt portion is divided into aplurality of fingers.
 38. The cleat assembly of claim 37, wherein thefingers extend downwardly from the central portion of the cleat member.39. The cleat assembly of claim 38, wherein each finger includes aradially outwardly extending dimple, and wherein each dimple abuts thetube.
 40. The cleat assembly of claim 39, wherein each finger includesan end that bends radially inward.
 41. The cleat assembly of claim 28,wherein each finger includes a radially outwardly extending dimple, andwherein each dimple abuts the tube.
 42. The cleat assembly of claim 28,wherein each finger includes an end that bends radially inward.
 43. Alift-up cleat assembly, comprising: a base member having an upper plateshaped to abut a mounting surface and at least one normally verticallyoriented tube, the tube having a hollow interior; a retractable cleatmember having an upper cleat-shaped head shaped to retain lines thereon,and at least one normally vertically oriented mounting post dependingfrom the head, wherein the post is telescopingly received in theinterior of the tube of the base member and is telescopingly movablealong a given length of travel; and a retainer configured to provideinfinitesimally small increments of adjustability of the post of thecleat member, wherein the retainer is shaped to allow liquid to drain.44. The cleat assembly of claim 43, wherein the retainer is locatedwithin the hollow interior of the tube of the base member and is fixedwith respect to the mounting post of the cleat member, wherein theretainer provides infinitesimally small increments of adjustability ofthe post of the cleat member within the tube of the base member alongthe length of travel, and wherein the retainer is shaped to allow liquidlocated within the interior of the tube of the base member to draintherefrom.
 45. The cleat assembly of claim 43, wherein the retainercomprises a plurality of first portions in contact with the tube and aplurality of second portions not in contact with the tube andinterspaced with the plurality of first portions, whereby the pluralityof first portions in contact with the tube provide infinitesimally smallincrements of adjustability of the post of the cleat member within thetube of the base member along the length of travel, and whereby theplurality of second portions not in contact with the tube allow liquidlocated within the interior of the tube of the base member to draintherefrom.
 46. The cleat assembly of claim 43, wherein the retainercomprises a cup-shaped retainer located within the hollow interior ofthe tube of the base member and having a central portion fixed withrespect to the mounting post of the cleat member and an elasticallydeformable skirt portion that flexibly abuts the tube of the basemember, thereby providing infinitesimally small increments ofadjustability of the post of the cleat member within the tube of thebase member along the length of travel, and wherein the retainer isshaped to allow liquid located within the interior of the tube of thebase member to drain therefrom.
 47. The cleat assembly of claim 46,wherein the skirt portion of the retainer includes a pleated section,thereby providing at least one void between the skirt portion of theretainer and the tube of the base member.
 48. The cleat assembly ofclaim 47, wherein the skirt portion of the retainer extends downwardlyfrom the central portion of the cleat member.
 49. The cleat assembly ofclaim 48, further including: a substantially rigid spacer locatedbetween the central portion of the retainer and an end of the mountingpost of the cleat member, wherein the spacer abuts a step wall of theinterior tube, thereby limiting the travel of the post within the tube.50. The cleat assembly of claim 49, wherein the interior of the tube ofthe base member is provided with a rough interior surface.
 51. The cleatassembly of claim 50, wherein the retainer is constructed of apolypropylene material.
 52. The cleat assembly of claim 49, furtherincluding: a boot surrounding an open end of the tube of the base memberand adapted to collect and guide liquid traveling through the open endof the base member away from the base member.
 53. The cleat assembly ofclaim 52, wherein the at least one tube of the base member includes apair of tubes juxtaposed across a substantially central point of thebase member, and wherein the at least one mounting post includes a pairof mounting posts juxtaposed across a substantially central point of thecleat member.
 54. The cleat member of claim 53, wherein the base memberis shaped to mount flush with the mounting surface.
 55. The cleat memberof claim 54, wherein the base member includes a recess extending into anupper surface thereof, and wherein the recess receives the head of thecleat member such that an upper surface of the head is flush with theupper surface of the base member.
 56. The cleat assembly of claim 46,wherein the skirt portion is divided into a plurality of fingers. 57.The cleat assembly of claim 56, wherein the fingers extend downwardlyfrom the central portion of the cleat member.
 58. The cleat assembly ofclaim 57, wherein each finger includes a radially outwardly extendingdimple, and wherein each dimple abuts the tube.
 59. The cleat assemblyof claim 58, wherein each finger includes an end that bends radiallyinward.
 60. The cleat assembly of claim 56, wherein each finger includesa radially outwardly extending dimple, and wherein each dimple abuts thetube.
 61. The cleat assembly of claim 56, wherein each finger includesan end that bends radially inward.
 62. The cleat assembly of claim 46,wherein the skirt portion of the retainer extends downwardly from thecentral portion of the cleat member.
 63. The cleat assembly of claim 46,further including: a substantially rigid spacer located between thecentral portion of the retainer and an end of the mounting post of thecleat member, wherein the spacer abuts a step wall of the interior ofthe tube, thereby limiting the travel of the post within the tube. 64.The cleat assembly of claim 46, wherein the interior of the tube of thebase member is provided with a rough interior surface.
 65. The cleatassembly of claim 46, wherein the retainer is constructed of apolypropylene material.
 66. The cleat assembly of claim 46, furtherincluding: a boot surrounding an open end of the tube of the base memberand adapted to collect and guide liquid traveling through the open endof the base member away from the base member.
 67. The cleat assembly ofclaim 46, wherein the at least one tube of the base member includes apair of tubes juxtaposed across a substantially central point of thebase member, and wherein the at least one mounting post includes a pairof mounting posts juxtaposed across a substantially central point of thecleat member.
 68. The cleat member of claim 46, wherein the base memberis shaped to mount flush with the mounting surface.
 69. The cleat memberof claim 68, wherein the base member includes a recess extending into anupper surface thereof, and wherein the recess receives the head of thecleat member such that an upper surface of the head is flush with theupper surface of the base member.
 70. A lift-up cleat assembly,comprising: a base member having an upper plate shaped to abut amounting surface and at least one normally vertically oriented tube, thetube having a hollow interior; a retractable cleat member having anupper cleat-shaped head shaped to retain lines thereon, and at least onenormally vertically oriented mounting post depending from the head,wherein the post is telescopingly received in the interior of the tubeof the base member and is telescopingly movable along a given length oftravel; and a retainer located within the hollow interior of the tube ofthe base member and fixed with respect to the mounting post of the cleatmember, the retainer comprising a plurality of first portions in contactwith the tube and a plurality of second portions not in contact with thetube and interspaced with the plurality of first portions, wherein theplurality of first portions in contact with the tube provideinfinitesimally small increments of adjustability of the post of thecleat member within the tube of the base member along the length oftravel, and wherein the plurality of second portions not in contact withthe tube allow liquid located within the interior of the tube of thebase member to drain therefrom.
 71. The cleat assembly of claim 70,wherein the retainer comprises a cup-shaped retainer located within thehollow interior of the tube of the base member and having a centralportion fixed with respect to the mounting post of the cleat member andan elastically deformable skirt portion that flexibly abuts the tube ofthe base member, thereby providing infinitesimally small increments ofadjustability of the post of the cleat member within the tube of thebase member along the length of travel, and wherein the retainer isshaped to allow liquid located within the interior of the tube of thebase member to drain therefrom.
 72. The cleat assembly of claim 71,wherein the skirt portion of the retainer includes a pleated section,thereby providing at least one void between the skirt portion of theretainer and the tube of the base member.
 73. The cleat assembly ofclaim 72, wherein the skirt portion of the retainer extends downwardlyfrom the central portion of the cleat member.
 74. The cleat assembly ofclaim 73, further including: a substantially rigid spacer locatedbetween the central portion of the retainer and an end of the mountingpost of the cleat member, wherein the spacer abuts a step wall of theinterior tube, thereby limiting the travel of the post within the tube.75. The cleat assembly of claim 74, wherein the interior of the tube ofthe base member is provided with a rough interior surface.
 76. The cleatassembly of claim 75, wherein the retainer is constructed of apolypropylene material.
 77. The cleat assembly of claim 74, furtherincluding: a boot surrounding an open end of the tube of the base memberand adapted to collect and guide liquid traveling through the open endof the base member away from the base member.
 78. The cleat assembly ofclaim 77, wherein the at least one tube of the base member includes apair of tubes juxtaposed across a substantially central point of thebase member, and wherein the at least one mounting post includes a pairof mounting posts juxtaposed across a substantially central point of thecleat member.
 79. The cleat member of claim 78, wherein the base memberis shaped to mount flush with the mounting surface.
 80. The cleat memberof claim 79, wherein the base member includes a recess extending into anupper surface thereof, and wherein the recess receives the head of thecleat member such that an upper surface of the head is flush with theupper surface of the base member.
 81. The cleat assembly of claim 71,wherein the skirt portion is divided into a plurality of fingers. 82.The cleat assembly of claim 81, wherein the fingers extend downwardlyfrom the central portion of the cleat member.
 83. The cleat assembly ofclaim 82, wherein each finger includes a radially outwardly extendingdimple, and wherein each dimple abuts the tube.
 84. The cleat assemblyof claim 83, wherein each finger includes an end that bends radiallyinward.
 85. The cleat assembly of claim 81, wherein each finger includesa radially outwardly extending dimple, and wherein each dimple abuts thetube.
 86. The cleat assembly of claim 81, wherein each finger includesan end that bends radially inward.
 87. The cleat assembly of claim 71,wherein the skirt portion of the retainer extends downwardly from thecentral portion of the cleat member.
 88. The cleat assembly of claim 71,further including: a substantially rigid spacer located between thecentral portion of the retainer and an end of the mounting post of thecleat member, wherein the spacer abuts a step wall of the interior ofthe tube, thereby limiting the travel of the post within the tube. 89.The cleat assembly of claim 71, wherein the interior of the tube of thebase member is provided with a rough interior surface.
 90. The cleatassembly of claim 71, wherein the retainer is constructed of apolypropylene material.
 91. The cleat assembly of claim 71, furtherincluding: a boot surrounding an open end of the tube of the base memberand adapted to collect and guide liquid traveling through the open endof the base member away from the base member.
 92. The cleat assembly ofclaim 71, wherein the at least one tube of the base member includes apair of tubes juxtaposed across a substantially central point of thebase member, and wherein the at least one mounting post includes a pairof mounting posts juxtaposed across a substantially central point of thecleat member.
 93. The cleat member of claim 71, wherein the base memberis shaped to mount flush with the mounting surface.
 94. The cleat memberof claim 93, wherein the base member includes a recess extending into anupper surface thereof, and wherein the recess receives the head of thecleat member such that an upper surface of the head is flush with theupper surface of the base member.
 95. A lift-up cleat assembly,comprising: a base member having an upper plate defined by a topsurface, the upper plate shaped to abut a portion of a mounting surface,the base member also including at least one normally vertically orientedtube, the tube having a hollow interior; a retractable cleat memberhaving an upper cleat-shaped head shaped to retain lines thereon, and atleast one normally vertically oriented mounting post depending from thehead, the post telescopingly received in the interior of the tube of thebase member, the head including an upper surface that is substantiallyflush with a portion of the upper surface of the base member when thecleat member is in a retracted position, the head also including a lowersurface that is above the mounting surface when the cleat member is inthe retracted position; and a fastener coupled with the tube of the basemember and adapted to abut a bottom surface of the mounting surface,thereby retaining the base member to the mounting surface.
 96. The cleatassembly of claim 95, wherein the tube has a threaded outer surface, andwherein the fastener includes a nut that is threadably received on theouter surface of the tube.
 97. The cleat assembly of claim 96, whereinthe fastener includes a washer received about the tube of the basemember, the washer abutted by the nut and adapted to abut the lowersurface of the mounting surface when the base member is retained to themounting surface.
 98. The cleat assembly of claim 95, further including:a cup-shaped retainer located within the hollow interior of the tube ofthe base member and having a central portion fixed with respect to themounting post of the cleat member and an elastically deformable skirtportion that flexibly abuts the tube of the base member, therebyproviding infinitesimally small increments of adjustability of the postof the cleat member within the tube of the base member along the lengthof the travel.
 99. The cleat assembly of claim 98, wherein the retaineris shaped to allow liquid located within the interior of the tube of thebase member to drain therefrom.
 100. The cleat assembly of claim 99,wherein the skirt portion of the retainer includes a pleated section,thereby providing at least one void between the skirt portion of theretainer and the tube of the base member.
 101. The cleat assembly ofclaim 99, further including: a boot surrounding an open end of the tubeof the base member and adapted to collect and guide liquid travelingthrough the open end of the base member away from the base member. 102.The cleat assembly of claim 98, wherein the skirt portion of theretainer extends downwardly from the central portion of the cleatmember.
 103. The cleat assembly of claim 98, further including: asubstantially rigid spacer located between the central portion of theretainer and an end of the mounting post of the cleat member, whereinthe spacer abuts a step wall of the interior of the tube, therebylimiting the travel of the post within the tube.
 104. The cleat assemblyof claim 98, wherein the interior of the tube of the base member isprovided with a rough interior surface.
 105. The cleat assembly of claim98, wherein the retainer is constructed of a polypropylene material.106. The cleat assembly of claim 98, wherein the at least one tube ofthe base member includes a pair of tubes juxtaposed across asubstantially central point of the base member, and wherein the at leastone mounting post includes a pair of mounting posts juxtaposed across asubstantially central point of the cleat member.
 107. The cleat assemblyof claim 98, wherein the skirt portion is divided into a plurality offingers.
 108. The cleat assembly of claim 107, wherein the fingersextend downwardly from the central portion of the cleat member.
 109. Thecleat assembly of claim 108, wherein each finger includes a radiallyoutwardly extending dimple, and wherein each dimple abuts the tube. 110.The cleat assembly of claim 109, wherein each finger includes an endthat bends radially inward.
 111. The cleat assembly of claim 98, whereineach finger includes a radially outwardly extending dimple, and whereineach dimple abuts the tube.
 112. The cleat assembly of claim 98, whereineach finger includes an end that bends radially inward.
 113. A lift-upcleat assembly, comprising: a base member having an upper plate definedby a top surface, the upper plate shaped to abut a portion of a mountingsurface, the base member also including at least one normally verticallyoriented tube, the tube having a hollow interior; a retractable cleatmember having an upper cleat-shaped head shaped to retain lines thereon,and at least one normally vertically oriented mounting post dependingfrom the head, the post telescopingly received in the interior of thetube of the base member, the head including an upper surface that issubstantially flush with a portion of the upper surface of the basemember when the cleat member is in a retracted position, the head alsoincluding a lower surface that is above the mounting surface when thecleat member is in the retracted position; and a fastener coupled withthe tube of the base member and adapted to abut a bottom surface of themounting surface, thereby retaining the base member to the mountingsurface; wherein the mounting post comprises a non-circularcross-sectional shape.
 114. The cleat assembly of claim 113, wherein thetube has a threaded outer surface, and wherein the fastener includes anut that is threadably received on the outer surface of the tube. 115.The cleat assembly of claim 113, further including: a cup-shapedretainer located within the hollow interior of the tube of the basemember and having a central portion fixed with respect to the mountingpost of the cleat member and an elastically deformable skirt portionthat flexibly abuts the tube of the base member, thereby providinginfinitesimally small increments of adjustability of the post of thecleat member within the tube of the base member along the length oftravel.